Relevance of Anti-BmR1 IgG4 Antibodies in Children from an Area Endemic for Brugia malayi Infection in Kerala, India.
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Date
2009-06
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Abstract
Brugian filariasis prevalent mostly in South-East Asian countries
including India contributes to a small but significant proportion of the
socioeconomic burden due to lymphatic filariasis. Along with bancroftian
filariasis, brugian filariasis has been targeted for elimination globally.
The lack of a reliable daytime diagnostic test has been seen as an
important barrier to the successful implementation and monitoring of
elimination programmes in brugia endemic areas. We evaluated an anti-
BmRI-IgG4 antibody test namely, 'Brugia Rapid' in a large study meant to
understand the clinical and pathological manifestations of brugian
filariasis in children. We found the test superior to traditional night blood
screening for microfilaraemia. Although an antibody detection test, we
found it to be a reliable indicator of brugian infection. Among the 100
children studied extensively, 94% of the microfilaraemics, 86% of those
showing filarial dance sign indicating presence of, live adult worms and
78% having abnormal lymphatics on lymphoscintigraphy were IgG4
positive. Coupled with its advantages like ease of use any time of the day,
high sensitivity and specificity, this test may be the ideal tool to assist
programme managers in their efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis
where brugian infections are found.
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Keywords
Lymphatic filariasis in children, Brugia malayi infection, Anti-BmR1-IgG4 antibody, 'Brugia Rapid' test
Citation
Shenoy R K, Rahmah N, Suma T K, Kumaraswami V, Thaslim A X, Gopu R B. Relevance of Anti-BmR1 IgG4 Antibodies in Children from an Area Endemic for Brugia malayi Infection in Kerala, India. Journal of Communicable Diseases. 2009 Jun; 41(2): 63-70.